Sustainable work practices

1. Sustainable work practices Save water Reduce waste How can you reduce the environmental impacts of your work? Use chemicals safely Save energy

2. Save water You can save on typical water usage by eliminating water waste, reusing water and using more water-efficient systems. Home

3. Some ideas for eliminating water waste: • Turn off taps firmly • Don’t leave taps running • Report leaks • Replace faulty washers on dripping taps Save water You can save on typical water usage by eliminating water waste, reusing water and using more water-efficient systems. • Use only the amount of water needed for making tea and coffee, and washing up utensils Home

4. Reuse and recycle water whenever possible: • Eg Use extra water from the jug to water indoor plants rather than pouring it down the drain Save water You can save on typical water usage by eliminating water waste, reusing water and using more water-efficient systems. What other opportunities do you have to reuse and recycle the water you use at work? Home

5. Use the water-efficient systems in your workplace for: • Toilets • Showers • Garden and grounds maintenance • Cleaning, eg using rainwater or recycled water for cleaning vehicles Save water You can save on typical water usage by eliminating water waste, reusing water and using more water-efficient systems. What other opportunities do you have to change to water-efficient systems for the work you do? Home

6. Save energy • You can save the energy you use for: • Lighting • Heating and cooling • Using equipment Home

7. Save energy you use for lighting: Save energy • Turn off lights when not needed or when leaving a room • You can save the energy you use for: • Lighting • Heating and cooling • Using equipment • Use natural rather than artificial light whenever possible • Use energy efficient lighting where possible Home

8. Save energy Save energy you use for heating and cooling: • Use heaters and fans for only the required amount of time necessary • Check thermostats are at the lowest possible setting • Use warmer clothing rather than electric or gas heating • Check doors to air conditioned areas are closed • You can save the energy you use for: • Lighting • Heating and cooling • Using equipment Home

9. Save energy you use for equipment: Save energy • Turn off computers and monitors after work • You can save the energy you use for: • Lighting • Heating and cooling • Using equipment • Photocopy in batches, and switch copier to standby or energy save mode after use What equipment do you use in your workplace? What are some energy saving strategies for using this equipment? Home

10. Reduce waste Throw out only what cannot be reused or recycled. Avoid creating waste in the first place. Conduct a waste audit to check what waste you actually create! Home

11. Recycle and reuse: Reduce waste • Recycle paper, cardboard , mobile phones, batteries, glass, aluminium cans, and plastic bottles • Recycle or refill ink cartridges • Purchase resources that can be recycled • Purchase resources that have been produced from recycled goods or materials • Use 100% recycled paper, or paper made from plantation timber (not natural forests) • Re-use materials where possible, eg use scrap paper for notes Throw out only what cannot be reused or recycled. Avoid creating waste in the first place. Conduct a waste audit to check what waste you actually create! Home

12. Avoid creating waste: Reduce waste • Use emails instead of printed documents • Read on the screen whenever possible • Use Print Preview to check documents before printing • Use smaller fonts and spacing • Print or copy double-sided (duplex), and make it the default on printers and photocopiers • Photocopy only the number of pages you need Throw out only what cannot be reused or recycled. Avoid creating waste in the first place. Conduct a waste audit to check what waste you actually create! Home

13. Work safely with chemicals and pollutants If you work with chemicals and pollutants, make sure safety is your priority. Does your work involve using cleaning products ? Home

14. Work safely with chemicals and pollutants Make safety a priority: • Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for use and storage If you work with chemicals and pollutants, make sure safety is your priority. Does your work involve using cleaning products ? • Use signage to identify where hazardous chemicals and substances are stored Home

15. Cleaning products: Work safely with chemicals and pollutants • Avoid using harsh cleaners that contain toxic ingredients • Avoid using detergents that contain phosphates; these can damage waterways they enter via drains • Try to use warm soapy water and cleaners that are environmentally friendly If you work with chemicals and pollutants, make sure safety is your priority. Does your work involve using cleaning products ? Home